COPE stands alongside 14 other NGOs to call on the international community to protect upon all children impacted by the conflict in Ukraine.
A year has passed since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, which has affected and displaced millions of children. Despite the international community’s repeated calls for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, the plight of children and young people caught in this atrocious war remain, with little end in sight.
Children are among the most vulnerable in times of war, with their fundamental rights consistently violated: they face unimaginable fear, risk their lives, or being physically and psychologically harmed, as well as being separated from their families and facing the horrors of war, alone. Those children who must endure war without the protection of a family face even more risks of going missing, being exploited, abused or trafficked. Their well-being, and access to protection and care must be a priority for European and national authorities.
Above all else, we call on the international community, to urgently work towards cessation of hostilities, intensifying diplomatic efforts in this regard, so all children can live in peace, again.